By 123
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May 11, 2012
As the founder, guitarist and driving influence behind Black Flag, Greg Ginn defined the west coast punk sound and the DIY ethos of punk rock. Through his record label SST, Ginn has tirelessly performed, produced and released new music by himself as well as from an eclectic array of independent artists. Professional skateboarder and musician, Mike Vallely first saw Black Flag perform at City Gardens in Trenton, New Jersey in 1984. Crediting it as a life changing experience, Mike set forth from that show on an uncharted course of self-expression through his skating. Discovered by Stacy Peralta in 1986, Mike turned pro in 1987 and has had an un-paralleled skateboard career. His first band Mike V And The Rats was formed in 2001.
Greg and Mike first met in Long Beach, CA in May of 2003 when Mike V And The Rats started a supporting run of shows for Greg that would eventually lead to Mike doing a guest vocal spot at the Black Flag Reunion Shows in September 2003. A friendship was formed and the two have kept in to